Trump’s Hard Line Should Not Have a China Exception

When it comes to China and President Xi Jinping, President Trump often acts contrary to how he does in other aspects of his leadership. The penchant for audacity — his decision to remove Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, his reshaping of the Middle East through pressure, diplomacy, and military prowess — is missing in the Indo-Pacific. Trump, seemingly, is leaving it to China to determine the future of the region.

The reluctance to confront Xi is vexing, because despite all its bluster, Beijing is awed by the resilience of the U.S. economy and markets, the capabilities of America’s military forces, and America’s continued dominance of global culture.

About the Author

Thérèse Shaheen

Thérèse Shaheen is a businesswoman and CEO of US Asia International. She was the chairman of the State Department’s American Institute in Taiwan from 2002 to 2004.

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When it comes to China and President Xi Jinping, President Trump often acts contrary to how he does in other aspects of his leadership. The penchant for audacity — his decision to remove Nicolás Maduro from power in Venezuela, his reshaping of the Middle East through pressure, diplomacy, and military prowess — is missing in the Indo-Pacific. Trump, seemingly, is leaving it to China to determine the future of the region.

The reluctance to confront Xi is vexing, because despite all its bluster, Beijing is awed by the resilience of the U.S. economy and markets, the capabilities of America’s military forces, and America’s continued dominance of global culture.

About the Author

Thérèse Shaheen

Thérèse Shaheen is a businesswoman and CEO of US Asia International. She was the chairman of the State Department’s American Institute in Taiwan from 2002 to 2004.